Plasma gelsolin has a molecular mass of 83kDa and consists of six homologous subdomains (S1-S6). Gelsolin is a Ca++-dependent lipid binding actin regulatory protein, possessing three different actin modulating activities: severing of F-actin, nucleation of actin polymerization and capping of filaments barbed end. Gelsolin has three actin binding sites, two high affinity Ca++ binding sites and two binding sites for PIP2.

Fragmentation activity: The fragmentation activity of gelsolin was determined by Ostwald viscometry at 25 centigrade. The specific viscosity of F-actin (1mg/ml) is reduced by ~65% after addition of gelsolin at a molar ratio of 1:100. The gelsolin stock solution was used as described below containing 1% disaccharides. F-actin containing 100mM KCl, 10mM Imidazole pH 7.4, 1mM ATP was mixed with 0.2mM CaCl2 (final concentration) prior to the addition of gelsolin.

Molecular Mass:

83kDa

Purity:

>90% by scanning densitometry from Coomassie G-250 stained SDS-Gels.

Storage:

Gelsolin is stored at –70 centigrade upon arrival will be stable in performance for at least 6 months from the date of purchase. The solubilized protein is kept on ice and should be used within 5 days. Storage in glycerol at -20 centigrade results in a significant decrease of the activity, and has to be determined individually.